Chapter Sixty-Four: The Soul Returns to the Western Heavens

I couldn't worry about so much anymore; as long as Master Xingyun let us in, that was enough.

Following behind Master Xingyun, I felt a bit puzzled. I remembered that just now, he seemed to have mentioned that we were his benefactors or something, and that he had been waiting for us. What was going on? Could it be that he possessed foresight?

We followed Master Xingyun past the Buddha hall and entered a room that appeared to be a meditation chamber. On the floor was a large meditation cushion, and in the center stood a round table. Atop the table, a single stick of incense released delicate wisps of fragrant smoke.

Once we were seated, a young monk brought us tea. I took the initiative to speak. "Master Xingyun, we have come to seek your guidance."

Master Xingyun waved his hand. "No need for formalities, my friends. In fact, I have been waiting for you both for a long time."

"For us?" I was surprised. Why would he be waiting for us? Did he know something about me?

"Yes, I have been waiting for you. Yesterday evening, at the edge of the cliff beneath Feilai Peak, a young couple accidentally fell to their deaths. I performed the rites to release their souls. At first, I thought it was a lovers’ suicide, but later discovered they were murdered. To be precise, they were killed by a vengeful ghost," Master Xingyun said calmly.

His words shocked me. How could this be? Have evil spirits become so unbridled these days? I used to think the world was a peaceful place, but now it seemed otherwise.

"Master Xingyun, could you explain in more detail?" Wei Qi asked, taking a sip of tea.

"This is how it is," Master Xingyun began. "On Mount Fulai, there is an ancient tomb belonging to Prince Shao’ang of the state of Ju. He was murdered, and when he died, three Blood Linglongs were buried with him—placed there by his younger brother, Shaoxiang. Shaoxiang did this only to deceive others. At night, he secretly opened the tomb to retrieve the three Blood Linglongs, but an accident caused the tomb to collapse, and he never made it out. For more than two thousand years, his soul has become a vengeful ghost. Recently, the prince's tomb was robbed, and Shaoxiang's restless spirit was released. His actions are erratic and sinister. First, he frightened an old herbalist to death on the mountain, and yesterday, he pushed a young couple into the ravine, killing them. I wanted to capture him, but as a Buddhist monk, and with only three years left before I pass away, it is difficult for me to act. Upon divining the matter, I saw that two young heroes would come at noon today. You two are my destined benefactors who can help me."

Both of us felt deeply ashamed. Wasn't all this caused by me? If I hadn't asked Wei Qi to help me open the tomb of the Prince of Ju, that evil ghost Shaoxiang would never have emerged. Thinking back, I suddenly remembered—we did see a trail of footprints in the ancient tomb. At the time, I thought they belonged to Ziyi's adjutant, Tianxing, but now it seemed they were Shaoxiang's.

Since we had let the ghost out, it was only natural for us to take responsibility. Wei Qi might be up to the task, but what about me? My precious Dragon Abyss sword was still at home. If I were to go now, I would have to rely on my own Yin blood.

"Master Xingyun, if you have any instructions, please speak plainly," Wei Qi said, showing his usual courage and fearlessness.

Master Xingyun nodded. "I would like the two of you to go and capture this vengeful ghost."

"The two of us, now?"

"Yes, now. It is noon, when Yang energy is at its peak. The ghost is currently hiding in the tomb. Go in and disperse him. I originally thought to let him go, but having taken three lives, not even Buddhist compassion can forgive him."

"But we haven't brought anything with us. Should we go home and fetch some talismans or tools?" Wei Qi's thoughts echoed mine. With just the two of us going after a ghost empty-handed, we'd probably be the ones getting eaten instead.

"No need. Today is the twenty-fourth day of the sixth lunar month, the birthday of Lord Guan. Yang energy is at its strongest. Lord Guan is the reincarnation of the Azure Dragon, so Yang energy abounds. Today is the best day to catch ghosts." Master Xingyun beckoned to Wei Qi, who put down his cup and moved closer.

Master Xingyun took a staff from behind him. "Wei Qi, this is the Xingyun Staff. The front is a spade with two rings, used to bury corpses; the rings are there so that when the spade strikes the earth, it creates a noise to warn away insects, as monks avoid killing. The back is a crescent axe, meant to uphold justice for the world. Today, I give it to you. Use it to eliminate the vengeful ghost. If you succeed, the staff will be yours. If you fail, take it with you and never return to me."

So, no matter what, the Xingyun Staff was meant for Wei Qi. He was lucky! At a glance, I could tell it was a powerful artifact.

Wei Qi, recognizing its value, quickly said, "Master Xingyun, such a precious gift—I dare not accept!"

Master Xingyun smiled, "Everything is a matter of fate. When you both opened the Prince of Ju's tomb, I knew you were not ordinary men. This staff is for you. It wasn't mine to begin with; a friend left it here, saying it was meant for someone destined. I believe you are the one."

A wave of embarrassment washed over me. So Master Xingyun knew everything we had done!

Wei Qi smacked his lips, taking the staff with a broad grin, clearly delighted. I was happy for him—he finally had a worthy tool, though I wondered if he knew how to use it. Master Xingyun had sharp eyes, discerning at once that Wei Qi was more capable than I, so he gave the staff to him. If he had given it to me, I wouldn't have known what to do with it.

As if reading my mind, Master Xingyun smiled, "Dachuan, come here." Suddenly, I realized—how did he know our names?

I stepped forward, and Master Xingyun gestured to my hand. "Open your palm."

Obediently, I extended my hand. He glanced at it, then looked up at me. "Dachuan, you are truly extraordinary! May you bear great responsibilities." With that, he pressed his palm against mine. Though his hand was thin, there was great strength in it. More importantly, his palm was hot—so hot it felt as if I were holding fire, and it hurt.

Still, I endured. I knew he meant me no harm and must have his reasons.

After a few seconds, Master Xingyun withdrew his hand, exhaling deeply. His face turned sallow, the mark of utter exhaustion, sweat trickling down his cheeks. Seeing him like this, I wondered what he had done to me.

"Dachuan, look at your palm," Master Xingyun said weakly.

I quickly opened my hand and was startled to see a small, coin-sized mole in the center of my palm—something I had never had before. Master Xingyun must have just given it to me.

"Master, what is this?"

"Dachuan, we are fated. I have waited ten years for you, and now you are finally here. This is the Palm Thunder. If you master it, it will grant you immense power. Now, go—you both must help me capture that vengeful ghost." With a wave, he slowly closed his eyes.

Wei Qi and I wanted to say more, but he brought his palms together and said nothing.

Wei Qi nudged my arm quietly. "Let’s go. After we catch the ghost, we’ll come back to pay our respects to Master Xingyun." That made sense, so I stood up.

As we reached the door, we heard the young monk begin to sob. "Master, master, how could you just pass away like this!"

Hearing his cries, I felt a chill run through me. Quickly, I turned back with Wei Qi, only to find Master Xingyun still sitting there, hands joined, head bowed and eyes closed—truly looking as if he had passed.

"Master Xingyun, Master Xingyun," Wei Qi called, a note of panic in his voice, gently shaking his shoulder.

The young monk pulled us aside. "Do not disturb him. He has returned to the Western Paradise."

"But that's not right! Didn't he say he'd pass away in three years?" I remembered him saying so when we entered.

The young monk looked at me with a trace of resentment. "It's because of you. Not only did Master give you the Palm Thunder, but he also opened your meridians so you could wield it. He transformed three years of his own life into inner strength and transferred it to you."

"How powerful is this Palm Thunder? How do I use it?" Wei Qi asked from the side.

"You see the artificial hill at the entrance? Don't overthink it. Just gather your strength in your palm and strike it from here." The young monk spoke to me.

Impossible, I thought. The meditation room was at least thirty meters from that rockery. Could I really hit it? But what troubled me most was that now that Master Xingyun had passed, who would help us find Zhuge Jin’s descendants?